A visit from VIP Saffron Severn, Alumna and GB gymnast  

On Wednesday 11 December Junior School were incredibly lucky to be joined by a very special guest - Saffron Severn, Blackheath High alumna and member of the Great Britain gymnastics team who shared her inspirational story with us. 

Saffron has worked hard to achieve amazing things in gymnastics and has represented our country on the international stage. She has shown incredible determination, skill, and dedication to her sport. Her journey shows us that no matter where we start, we can achieve amazing things and follow our dreams if we work hard and believe in ourselves. 

Junior School pupils Bella, Izzy & Maya posed some great questions below to our special guest centred around our key sports values: 

• Collaboration: “Gymnastics often requires working with a coach or team. How has working with others helped you improve and succeed in your career?” 

• Resilience: “Have you ever faced a big challenge or setback in gymnastics, and how did you stay resilient and overcome it?” 

• Social responsibility: “As a role model and athlete, how do you use your platform to inspire others or give back to the community?” 

Junior School KS2 Dance Showcase January ‘25 

We are delighted to once again be holding the KS2 Dance Shows in the new year. So, don’t forget to grab your ticket to our exciting annual dance show on the following dates. 

• Years 4 & 6: 10 January, 15.00-16.00pm (Gym) 

• Years 3 & 5:  15 January, 15.00-16.00pm (Gym) 

Newcastle Hockey tour  

After a very early start for the drive up North, the team were all set for our wonderful annual U15 hockey residential in Newcastle. On Day 1 of our adventure, we had to switch to an indoor hockey tournament due to the snow and poor weather conditions, but on Day 2 we had adapted to this and had another great day of indoor competition, with lots of great wins. Across the trip we also managed to catch up with alum Tilly, had an online talk from double Olympian Sarah Jones and the team generally learnt many new skills, scored a lot of goals and made lots of new friends – all in all a fantastic experience! 

Cross-country 

On Wednesday 20 November, a group of girls from Years 3-6 braved the chilly weather to compete in a cross-country event at Bromley High. Despite the cold, the team spirit and support kept everyone motivated and warm! Well done to the Year 6 team for coming first & to Emerson for placing third in the Year 6 race. The overall results were fantastic, with several top ten finishes across Years 3-6 and a brilliant top three finish by Emerson in Year 6. A special congratulations to the Year 6 team, who came first overall. Well done, girls! 

Football 

• Junior School played a fantastic football match against Bromley High. Despite uncertain weather, the girls arrived full of energy and excitement. Both teams played brilliantly! Team 1 secured a 3-0 win, while Team 2 finished with a well-deserved 1-1 draw. A big well done to all the girls, especially those who doubted their football skills—they proved themselves wrong and should be very proud! 

• Miss Ndagire took a group of enthusiastic Year 6 footballers to compete in the GDST Football Rally at Croydon High. It was a fantastic day filled with impressive skills, and the girls left feeling proud of their efforts. Overall, they placed 15th out of 26 GDST schools— great progress made on last year!  

Netball 

• On 29 November, two Year 5 teams and a Year 6 team headed to Farringtons School for netball matches. The Year 5B team drew 1-1, while the other teams put in a strong effort despite their losses 

• Year 5 Netball v Sydenham High - Year 5 had their very first Netball match, and they did an amazing job showing off their skills! Sydenham won both games, but our team improved with each quarter. A fantastic start to their netball season!  

• Year 6 Netball v Blackheath Prep - On Friday 8 November, three Year 6 teams went to play netball against Blackheath Prep. We had a great turnout of supporters, and our girls gave it their all! One team celebrated a well-deserved win, while the other two teams put up a strong fight. A fantastic effort by everyone involved! 

• Year 3 Netball v Bromley High - On Friday 15 November, Mrs Dunne and Ms Williams took four enthusiastic Year 3 netball teams to their very first match against Bromley High. The girls were so excited and had been looking forward to the day for weeks! It was a fantastic learning experience, giving them a chance to be competitive against another school. While no scores were recorded, our girls managed to score some goals, and we couldn’t be prouder of their effort and teamwork!  

• On Tuesday 19 November, our Year 4 girls were all set to play a netball match at Sydenham High. Unfortunately, the match couldn’t go ahead due to the weather, but we’re looking forward to rescheduling and seeing you playing against them next term! 

• On Friday 22 November most of our Year 3 girls made a long journey to Streatham & Clapham High for a netball festival. It was a fun-filled afternoon packed with learning and plenty of opportunities to improve their skills. The long trip was definitely worth it! 

Juniors Sports Super Stars 

Each week, we continue to celebrate our amazing athletes by awarding three girls in Key Stage 1 and three girls in Key Stage 2 with a ‘Sports Star of the Week’ certificate. Keep working hard and showing great effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship! 

Sports Super Stars this half term are: 

In KS1: 

• Year 1 – Grace, Anaiya, Zoe, Amie, Yasmine, Sophie 

• Year 2 – Millie, Helena, Mina, Aisling, Scarlett, Lux 

And in KS2: 

• Year 3 - Sienna, Mila, Victoria, Victoria 

• Year 4 – Eva, Kaia, Katya, Ewa 

• Year 5 – Claira, Mimi, Rose 

• Year 6 – Lottie, Nancy